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The Herrenknecht Mixshield S-880, Nicknamed “Qin Liangyu”, Held the Title of Largest Tunnel Boring Machine in the World Due to Its Record Diameter of 17.63 Meters. Discover This Engineering Colossus and the Challenging Project It Helped Build in Hong Kong.
In the realm of modern civil engineering, Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) represent the pinnacle of technology for underground excavation. Among these giants, the Herrenknecht Mixshield S-880, known as “Qin Liangyu,” made history by being recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest tunnel boring machine in the world due to its shield diameter at the time of its operation.
Built by the renowned German company Herrenknecht AG, this TBM was essential for one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Hong Kong. This article details its specifications, the project it undertook, and its legacy.
The Colossi of Modern Engineering and the Saga of the TBM “Qin Liangyu” in Hong Kong
TBMs have revolutionized tunnel construction, allowing for rapid and continuous excavations in challenging geologies. The trend of TBMs with increasingly larger diameters, the “mega-TBMs,” responds to the need for wider tunnels for highways and utilities.
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The Herrenknecht Mixshield S-880 “Qin Liangyu” is an emblematic example of this evolution, having been, in its time, the largest tunnel boring machine in the world by shield diameter.
Technical Specifications of the Largest Tunnel Boring Machine in the World (S-880 “Qin Liangyu”)
The dimensions of “Qin Liangyu” were extraordinary. Its shield diameter reached 17.63 meters (57 feet and 10 inches). The complete machine was 120 meters long and weighed 4,850 tons. To operate, it had an installed power of 5,600 kW and a torque of 27,000 kNm.
Manufactured by Herrenknecht AG, it utilized the Mixshield technology, ideal for operating in saturated soil and under high hydrostatic pressure, such as in underwater tunnels, using a support system with bentonite slurry and pressure control via air cushions.
The Challenging Project of the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL)
The “Qin Liangyu” was specifically built for the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) project in Hong Kong. This 9.7 km road project included an underwater tunnel of approximately 5 km, which became the deepest, longest, and widest submerged road tunnel in Hong Kong.
The TBM had to navigate through complex geological conditions (granite, marine deposits, clays) and face high hydrostatic pressures (up to 5.8 bar at 60 meters below sea level). The choice of the TBM method also aimed to minimize environmental impact, avoiding extensive dredging.
The “Qin Liangyu” in Action and Its Notable Engineering Feats in the TM-CLKL Project
The operation of the “Qin Liangyu” was marked by impressive feats. Initially, the largest tunnel boring machine in the world excavated a section of the tunnel with its record diameter of 17.63 meters, between March and November 2015. One of the major innovations was the subsequent conversion of its shield diameter, on-site, to 14 meters, a feat considered unprecedented for a TBM of such magnitude, allowing it to continue excavating other sections of the tunnel.
The project also stood out for its use of advanced maintenance technologies, such as the TELEMAC robotic arm, which automated the exchange of cutting discs on the TBM’s head in a hyperbaric environment, enhancing worker safety. In addition, two specialized mini-TBMs from Herrenknecht (model AVN3000) were used to construct the numerous interconnection passages between the main tubes of the tunnel.
The Legacy of “Qin Liangyu”
Following a tradition in the industry, the TBM was named “Qin Liangyu” in honor of a celebrated Chinese general from the Ming Dynasty (1574–1648), known for her bravery and loyalty. The use of the machine in the TM-CLKL project earned international awards, such as the ITA Tunneling Award in 2019.
The lessons learned and the technical advancements, especially in large diameter excavation in underwater conditions and the conversion of TBM shields, represent valuable contributions to global tunnel engineering.
The Herrenknecht S-880 “Qin Liangyu” as a Milestone in the History of the Largest Tunnel Boring Machine in the World and Its Lasting Impact
The Herrenknecht Mixshield S-880 “Qin Liangyu” represents a monumental feat of engineering. Its record as the largest tunnel boring machine in the world, the capability to navigate extreme geological conditions, and the innovative conversion of its shield in the field solidify its place in history.
Operated by the joint venture led by Bouygues Construction (Dragages Hong Kong), it not only enabled the construction of vital infrastructure but also pushed the limits of TBM technology. Its legacy inspires future mega-TBM projects, pointing to a future with increasingly automated, intelligent, and sustainable machines in the conquest of the underground.
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